Charlotte's Thoughts On Life & Business

As someone living with a BRCA1 mutation, there is a certain weight that comes before each screening. Next month, it’s time for my ovarian cancer check, and no matter how many times I do it, the feelings never really settle. It’s a quiet kind of fear, one that creeps into your chest when you least expect it. The scan is routine, yet the thoughts are anything but. At 35, deciding to remove my breasts felt like a clear choice. It was hard, yes, but it was also something I could act on. I had control; I could do something. But this, this is different. Ovarian cancer screening is less precise, less certain, and the preventative option, surgery, means losing something I am still holding out hope for: motherhood. I’m in my early 40s now. People often ask if I want children, and the answer is yes, I still do. But it is a complicated yes. Every year I delay risk-reducing surgery, I carry the knowledge that my risk remains. And every year I think, maybe just a little more time. Maybe one more ch...

Learning to See Myself Without a Filter Lately, I’ve been thinking about how easy it is to forget what real even looks like. With filters that smooth every line, sharpen every feature and paint over the parts of us that feel too human, it’s no wonder so many of us start questioning our own reflection. I caught myself recently, comparing my natural face to the one I see on screen. The filtered version looked polished and bright, like it had it all together. The real me looked tired, a little uneven, and very human. And for a moment, I felt like that wasn’t enough. It’s strange how something designed to enhance can end up making us feel less than. Not just women, not just young people, all of us. We start hiding behind curated versions of ourselves, even from the people we love, and sometimes even from ourselves. But I’m learning. I’m learning to sit with my bare face in the mirror and not rush to change it. I’m learning that pores, smile lines, scars and softness all tell a story. They ...

If you're stepping into a new role, trying to find your feet, and also dealing with the uncertainty of upcoming health scans, it’s completely understandable to feel a little stretched. You’re balancing a lot and doing your best, and that’s something to be proud of. In the middle of all the lists, expectations and unknowns, I just want to gently remind you that it’s okay to pause. Taking care of yourself isn’t something extra to squeeze in when you have time; it’s something that will carry you through everything else. Here are a few simple ways to bring a bit of calm into your day, even when things feel overwhelming: Five-minute pauses : A quick cup of tea without your phone, or a few slow breaths by an open window, can help ground you. You don’t need an hour to reset; just a moment can help. Create a soft space : Light a candle, pop on some music you love, or open a favourite book. Let your surroundings support you in winding down. Body first : A gentle stretch when you wak...

Taking on a founding Account Executive role at a startup involves more than just selling a product; it requires becoming a builder, a problem solver, and, at times, a confidant. This journey can be thrilling and fulfilling, but it is also not for the faint of heart. If you are considering this path or are already immersed in it, here are some candid insights on the qualities needed to thrive, potential pitfalls to avoid, and how to navigate the chaos with intention. What Makes a Great Founding Account Executive 1. Ownership Mentality You will not receive pre-qualified leads and a fully developed sales process. Instead, you will be responsible for creating, testing, and refining nearly every aspect of the sales function. From designing pitch decks to establishing the first CRM workflows, it is up to you. The best founding Account Executives embrace this responsibility, viewing it as an opportunity to shape the foundational elements of the company. 2. Comfort With Ambiguity Expect rapid ...

Stress is part of life; there’s no avoiding it. But how we handle it makes all the difference. Whether it's job redundancy, personal setbacks or work pressure, stress can feel overwhelming. The good news? You don’t have to let it take over. By balancing stress with positive actions, you can build resilience and feel more in control. Here are some practical steps to help you navigate tough times. Acknowledge and Manage Your Emotions Bottling up stress won’t make it disappear; in fact, it often makes things worse. Recognise how you're feeling and allow yourself to process those emotions. If you're worried about an uncertain future, write it down and separate what you can control from what you can't. For example, if redundancy has knocked your confidence, focus on what you can do next; update your CV, practise interview skills and look at potential career options, rather than dwelling on what’s gone wrong. Facing your emotions head-on puts you in the driver’s seat rath...

International Women's Day is an important reminder of the progress towards gender equality. However, I believe every day should be an opportunity to treat all people, regardless of gender, with respect and fairness. Gender equality should be a part of everyday life, whether at work, at home, or in society. 🤝🌍 I am a woman who started my career in law and now works as a senior sales professional. Over the years, I have faced challenges, but I have learned that the quality of my work, my skills, experience, and perspective, is what matters most. By focusing on my expertise and delivering results, I have succeeded despite any barriers. 💼👩‍💼 Feminism, as it was originally defined, seems outdated. Today, we should focus on equality and mutual respect, valuing people for their skills and contributions, regardless of gender. This creates an environment where everyone can thrive. My success has come from my dedication to my work, not my gender. 💪🏽📈 While gender imbalances still exi...

Intellectual property (IP) theft is a growing global challenge; impacting industries from financial services to media and gaming . Unauthorised use of proprietary content leads to financial losses; reputational damage and weakened competitive advantage 📉. The Legal Landscape in Ireland and the UK Ireland and the UK offer strong legal frameworks for IP protection.  The Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000 (Ireland) and the Copyright; Designs and Patents Act 1988 (UK) establish clear rights for creators.  Additionally; the UK’s Digital Economy Act 2017 and Ireland’s Electronic Commerce Directive strengthen online enforcement; while international agreements like the Berne Convention extend protections globally 🌍. Technology as a Key Defender Legal safeguards alone are not enough; advanced technologies such as digital watermarking; blockchain and AI-driven monitoring enhance protection 🔍.  Digital watermarking embeds ownership markers; blockchain ensures transp...

  Every day is a school day. I completed this course, and it was a great refresher and taught me some new tricks. How are you investing in your professional development?

  Interviews can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can turn them into opportunities to showcase your value. Hiring managers are looking for professionals who possess the right skills, understand their business challenges, and can help solve them. That’s where strategic storytelling comes in. Using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) framework and tailoring your examples to the company’s needs, you create compelling and relevant responses that leave a lasting impression. Remember to stay authentic and not like a robot. It's easy in today's AI-driven world to solely rely on automated responses. "Keep it real" they will be hiring you, not something that can be generated by an algorithm. A Practical Approach: If you’re interviewing with a SaaS company specialising in secure collaboration, don’t simply discuss your general experience. Instead, frame your response in a way that resonates with their business: Situation : A financial services firm w...

Body language speaks louder than words. Research shows that 55% of communication is non-verbal, including gestures, posture, facial expressions, and eye contact. Understanding how to use body language effectively can elevate your communication and build trust. Why Body Language Matters In business, body language shapes meetings and negotiations. A firm handshake, open posture, and steady eye contact convey confidence and sincerity. In personal relationships, cues like a relaxed posture or a smile foster connection, while crossed arms may signal defensiveness. Confidence and Eye Contact One of the most powerful ways to convey confidence is through eye contact. Maintaining steady but relaxed eye contact shows presence and assertiveness. Avoid excessive blinking or looking away, as it can signal nervousness. Key Tips for Improving Body Language Posture:   Stand tall and avoid slouching to project confidence. Eye Contact:   Maintain appropriate eye contact to build trust....

In both personal and professional life, we often debate whether the more important is the intelligence quotient (IQ) or the emotional quotient (EQ). While IQ measures cognitive abilities, EQ focuses on understanding, managing, and leveraging emotions, ours and others.  The Essence of Emotional Intelligence Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognise, control, and express emotions.  Daniel Goleman , who popularised this concept, identified five core elements: Self-Awareness,  Self-Regulation, Motivation,  Empathy, Social Skills.  These elements help individuals navigate relationships, make decisions, and succeed professionally and personally. Research from the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) and the Harvard Business Review  confirm that EQ predicts leadership effectiveness more than IQ. Why EQ Often Triumphs Over IQ Building Relationships: High EQ individuals understand and manage emotions, creating trust and stronger connections with others. Ef...

  In 2025, redundancies will affect professionals globally, with many finding themselves unexpectedly out of work. If this is you, remember that redundancy is not a reflection of your worth; it’s a change in circumstances. With the right mindset, it can be an opportunity for growth. Process the Change Feeling a range of emotions is normal. Acknowledge them, but avoid dwelling on the negatives. Talk to someone, write your thoughts down, or take a walk to clear your mind. The sooner you process the situation, the quicker you can focus on what’s next. Reframe Your Perspective Redundancy is a business decision, not a personal failure. Many successful people have been in your shoes. This could be the perfect time to explore new opportunities or pursue a career path that excites you. Prioritise Your Wellbeing Stress can take a toll. Maintain a routine, eat well, stay active, and rest. Practices like meditation or morning walks can help keep stress in check. Review Your Finan...

Expanding your consulting business through a partner network can be a game-changer. The right strategy will help you scale without heavy investment. Here’s a quick, actionable plan with free tools to get started! ⏳ 1️⃣ Define Your Ideal Partner Find businesses or individuals who share your audience but don’t compete. Use LinkedIn to search by industry and location. 🔎 2️⃣ Make Your Offer Clear Why should they partner with you? Revenue-sharing, exposure, or exclusive resources? Use Canva to create a compelling pitch. 🎨 3️⃣ Simplify Onboarding Keep sign-ups smooth with Google Forms , manage tasks with Trello , and store resources in Notion . ✅ 4️⃣ . Leverage Your Network Engage in industry events, forums, and LinkedIn groups. Check Eventbrite for networking opportunities. 🤝 5️⃣ . Offer More Than Money Provide guest blog spots and social media shoutouts or invite partners to private Slack groups. Set up quick check-ins via Calendly . 🏆 6️⃣ . Build a Community Encourage...

As we move through 2025, it’s easy to feel pulled in every direction, whether it’s work, personal life, or mental health. However, small, simple actions can make a real difference. Here are a few tips to help you thrive: Set Boundaries : Create clear lines between work and personal time. Set your working hours and ensure you carve out time for yourself. Embrace Change : Whether it's changing careers or adapting to new work patterns, stay flexible and open to new opportunities. Take it step by step. Prioritise Mental Healt h : Take breaks when you need to, and don’t hesitate to ask for support. Explore practices like Reiki or art therapy to help release stress and find peace. Stay Connected : Build and nurture relationships at work and in your personal life. Regular check-ins with friends, family, or colleagues help you stay grounded. Find Balance : Focus on what matters most and take time to rest. It’s okay to slow down and recharge. In 2023, I found myself struggling with both ...

  ✨ Why Long, Overcomplicated Interview Processes Are Costing You Great Salespeople ✨ We’ve all been there, an interview process that drags on for weeks, packed with endless role plays, abstract questions, and unnecessary steps. The kind that doesn’t just test your ability but actively wears you down. And for sales professionals, this can be a real killer. Here’s why. 🚫 The Problem With Long Interview Processes 🚫 Fatigue and Overthinking : The longer the process, the more candidates start overanalyzing everything. A great salesperson relies on instinct, quick thinking, and confidence. But when put through multiple rounds, they start second-guessing themselves, leading to mistakes they wouldn’t usually make in real-world scenarios. Role Plays That Test the Wrong Skills  A role play can be useful, but only if it’s relevant. Too often, candidates are thrown into unrealistic situations with buyers who behave nothing like actual prospects. A great seller who could close a...